What can’t Lady Gaga do? She’s known for her theatrical performances, iconic hits, and versatility in singing, songwriting, and acting---qualities that truly make her the pop icon she is today.
And on the “Your Face Sounds Familiar” stage, 9 ka-Familiars gave their own flavor to her iconic hits, spanning pop classics, jazz standards, and movie soundtracks, all of which showcased not only Gaga’s wide artistic range but also the talent and dedication of the performers who transformed into her.
KZ Tandingan (YFSF Season 2, 2015) - “Born This Way”
For her final “YFSF” performance, KZ transformed into Mother Monster as she performed the hit “Born This Way.” With full production, from the outfit to the recreated look, it felt like Lady Gaga herself was performing onstage. The Kapamilya singer brought the house down and sent the crowd into cheers.
KZ placed 4th at the end of the season.
Esang De Torres (YFSF Kids Season 2, 2018) - “Paparazzi”
Esang showcased more of her vocal talent as she sang like Gaga while performing “Paparazzi,” complete with the pop icon’s signature look. She truly resembled a mini version of Lady Gaga, and her mature delivery of the song made her performance all the more impressive.
Judge Gary Valenciano agreed that Esang’s voice had definitely matured. “Minsan inaakala ng ibang tao, ‘pag nagmature ang boses ng isang kabataan [ito] ay bumababa, nahihirapan nang kumanta, pero in your case, gumanda ang boses mo.” He commended Esang further, noting that she even nailed Gaga’s facial expressions.
Judge Ogie Alcasid remarked that Esang definitely had a pleasant voice. “Ang sarap pakinggan ng boses mo,” he said, adding that she was able to embody Lady Gaga’s dark aura onstage despite being just a little kid. Judge Sharon Cuneta echoed this sentiment, saying that Esang impersonated Lady Gaga effortlessly.
Esang placed 3rd at the end of the season.
Lyca Gairanod (YFSF Kids Season 1, 2017) - “Poker Face”
Singing the iconic single “Poker Face,” Lyca nailed her take on Lady Gaga, delivering live vocals while singing and dancing just as Gaga does. True to Gaga’s theatrical style, Lyca did not hold back and earned the viewers’ approval.
In terms of entertainment value, Lyca did a good job with her number, according to Judge Sharon Cuneta, who was also surprised to see that Lyca had the groove for dancing. “Siyempre alam namin ang galing-galing mo kumanta, pero ‘yung sabayan mo ng sayaw, na-appreciate ko ‘yung effort na pinasok mo sa number na ’to,” she said, lauding Lyca.
Judge Gary Valenciano highlighted Lyca’s visuals. “Kahit hindi ka kumanta at tumingin ka lang, I think magkakaroon ng impact sa tao bago pa nila marinig ang boses mo,” he said. Judge Ogie Alcasid echoed the jury’s sentiments, noting that Lyca continues to improve with each performance.
Lyca placed 7th at the end of the season.
AC Bonifacio (YFSF Kids Season 2, 2018) - “Telephone” with Chunsa Jung
The iconic collaboration of Beyoncé and Lady Gaga had its own version on the “YFSF” stage, with AC, a “YFSF Kids” alumna, and Chunsa performing the hit “Telephone” during the “YFSF” All-Star reunion. AC, transforming into Gaga, went into full performer mode as she sang her part, complete with Gaga’s signature style and trademark fierce look.
AC placed 3rd during her season in 2017.
Jolina Magdangal (YFSF Season 1, 2015) - “Bad Romance”
Our pop culture icon Jolina Magdangal further proved her artistry as she transformed into Lady Gaga to perform the classic “Bad Romance.” Channeling Gaga’s look, her live rendition highlighted the song’s emotional message, complete with stage presence like Gaga’s.
Coach Jed Madela hailed Jolina as a total performer. “She can sing, dance, she can entertain. And that’s what she did today,” he said, lauding her. Judge Gary Valenciano was likewise impressed, expressing that he was happy with what Jolina showed the judges.
Lastly, Judge Sharon Cuneta highlighted Jolina’s vocal consistency, saying she loves hearing her sing. Known for her signature looks, Judge Sharon remarked that Lady Gaga truly suits Jolina, as she also enjoys dressing up like the pop icon.
Jolina placed 5th at the end of the season.
Denise Laurel (YFSF Season 2, 2015) - “The Lady is A Tramp”
Let’s revisit popstar Gaga’s jazz era with Denise Laurel’s take on her duet with Tony Bennett, “The Lady Is a Tramp.” Denise embodied Gaga’s techniques, seamlessly switching from sultry low notes to high ones. Her gestures, such as sly smiles and jazz-inspired moves, made her performance feel even more natural.
“Trouper” was how Coach Jed Madela described Denise as a performer. “Lahat ng binigay sa’yo, ginawa mo ng 100% and even more. You always show that you just want to make people happy,” he said, pleased with Denise’s performance. Teacher Georcelle praised how Denise gradually broke away from Gaga’s sweet personality to doing her jazz moves.
Judge Gary Valenciano had no doubts about Denise’s vocals, affirming that she is a good singer. “[‘Yung performance] parang hindi tunog Denise. Which is exactly kung ano ang nais naming marinig. Humigit ka pa doon sa ine-expect namin sa’yo,” he said, lauding her.
Denise was hailed the grand winner of the season.
Christian Bables (YFSF Season 3, 2021) - “Applause"
At their final showdown, Christian went full Gaga mode with a complete performance of “Applause.” He mirrored Gaga’s 2013 MTV Video Music Awards act, even changing costumes while singing and dancing to symbolize Gaga’s many artistic personas.
After his performance, Christian received a standing ovation from the jury and his fellow ka-Familiars. The judges were all proud of Christian for his entire “YFSF” journey. Despite having the freedom to choose an artist of the same gender, he boldly selected the pop icon as his final act in “YFSF.”
They lauded how challenging it must have been for him to take on a theatrical artist like Lady Gaga. “Ikaw ay ‘yung isang artist na every time you step on stage, you are trying to prove something to people and to yourself. Instead of picking somebody, safe, sure and comfortable, but you chose Lady Gaga which could possibly be the hardest act to do for this entire Grand Showdown.” said Judge Gary Valenciano.
Christian placed 5th at the end of the season.
Karla Estrada (YFSF Season 4, 2026) - “I'll Always Remember Us This Way”
“YFSF” alum Karla Estrada made her comeback onstage with a heartfelt performance of the ballad “I’ll Always Remember Us This Way” from the movie “A Star Is Born,” which starred Lady Gaga herself. Karla delivered an emotional rendition, earning applause from everyone in the studio. Drawing from her past “YFSF” journey, Karla shared tips with the current ka-Familiars, emphasizing how important it is to embody the artists’ nuances. “Kailangan ka-boses mo,” she said.
Judge Gary Valenciano was delighted to hear Karla sing once more, even saying he will remember her through the way she performed the song. Coach Klarisse De Guzman admitted that she used to watch Karla during her “YFSF” days, applauding her for singing excellently. Later on, Karla also served as a guest judge for the week.
Karla placed 6th during her season in 2015.
Marielle Montellano (YFSF Season 4, 2026) - “Shallow” with JM Dela Cerna
Another Lady Gaga soundtrack from “A Star Is Born” was performed by Marielle Montellano, who transformed into the pop icon. Singing the hit ballad “Shallow” alongside JM Dela Cerna as Bradley Cooper, the duo JMielle delivered a heartwarming performance that earned a standing ovation from the judges.
Judge Ogie Alcasid admitted that he is a big fan of JMielle. Having watched Gaga and Cooper’s performance of the song both in the movie and at the Oscars, Judge Ogie shared that he personally connects with it. “Kinilabutan ako kasi parang kayo talaga [sina Lady Gaga],” he said, adding that the duo delivered a heavenly performance.
Coach Nyoy Volante admired JMielle’s attention to detail. “‘Yung titig, yung intensyon, passion---nandun lahat,” he said, left speechless by their act. Lastly, Coach Klarisse De Guzman, already impressed by how the two sing individually, highlighted that they become even better when performing together. “‘Yung mga nuances, kuhang-kuha niyo kanina. On point, talagang inaral n’yo,” she said.
Given the number of Lady Gaga performances on the “YFSF” stage, it further proves the wide range of the pop icon---and how talented our Ka-Familiars are in their efforts to embody the Mother Monster.
If you'd like to see more jaw-dropping performances, catch “Your Face Sounds Familiar” weeknights, 7:15PM on Kapamilya Channel, ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Online Live (KOL) and iWant.